Skip to main content
Merritt WATSON

Merritt WATSON

Candidate for Franklin Local Board (Pukekohe Subdivision)

Team Franklin

Candidate statement

I'm running for the Franklin Local Board because I believe our region deserves strong, practical leadership rooted in real-world experience. As a local business owner based in Pukekohe, I’ve built a company from the ground up, created local jobs, contributed to our community’s growth and now raise my own young family here. But I’ve also seen firsthand the challenges faced by families, small businesses, and everyday residents trying to thrive here. I want to help ensure Franklin continues to be a place where people can raise their families, grow their businesses, and enjoy a great quality of life. My focus is on smart growth, better support for locals, and a more connected, future-ready community. I'm not a career politician. I'm a local who cares deeply about where we live, and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. Let’s build a better Franklin, together.

Why I want to be elected

If elected, I will bring my local experience and business acumen to champion Pukekohe and the wider Franklin region. I’m committed to advocating for quality infrastructure, better transport links, and better spending. I would like to continue supporting local entrepreneurs and job creation, protecting our environment and green spaces, ensuring transparent decision-making, and collaborating with all communities to deliver practical, balanced solutions.

My key skills and qualities

As a born-and-bred Pukekohe local, my small-business leadership has honed pragmatic problem-solving, budget management, and stakeholder negotiation. I offer clear communication, transparent governance, and collaborative teamwork. My logistical expertise and community focus ensure realistic, balanced, and sustainable outcomes for Pukekohe and the wider Franklin region.

My top three key issues

Economic Development: Back local businesses, attract sustainable investment, and create quality jobs across Franklin. Better Spending & Budget Use: Ensure every ratepayer dollar is allocated wisely, prioritizing high-impact projects with full transparency. Better Transport Links: Improve and maintain roads, expand public-transport options, and strengthen connections between Pukekohe and surrounding towns.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    I want to work directly with Auckland Transport to ensure prompt repairs and proactive maintenance to restore our roads to the high standard our community deserves. Securing reliable bus, rail and on-demand shuttle services for better public transport access. Improving pedestrian infrastructure, continuous footpaths and safe crossings to make walking a viable local option.

  • Water

    I believe we need to be committing to steady, long-term investment in infrastructure and rigorous preventative maintenance. By regularly servicing and upgrading pipelines, treatment plants, stormwater drains and wastewater networks, we can secure a safe, reliable supply and high water quality, mitigate flooding risks, and avoid costly emergency repairs in the future.

  • Built environment

    I support targeted intensification along key public-transport corridors to make the most of existing infrastructure investments. Allowing greater height and density in areas that can handle it. At the same time, we must safeguard our heritage by protecting significant buildings and streetscapes, ensuring new developments respect our history. All growth should be matched with timely infrastructure upgrades to maintain liveability and community character.

  • Natural environment

    I want to preserve the parks, reserves and bush we love, ensure they’re easy to access, and keep them clean and well-maintained. I want to champion well-kept walking trails, inviting picnic spots, beautiful beaches and community events. I want everyone to explore, unwind and connect with the wonderful natural spaces Auckland has to offer.

  • Community

    I would like to build strong, connected communities by funding and supporting local events, opening and promoting council spaces for community use, and keeping our halls and parks world-class and accessible. I’ll listen closely to residents to understand their needs and champion initiatives that help their ideas flourish, ensuring everyone has the services and facilities needed to thrive.

  • Economic and cultural development

    I want to build a vibrant Franklin and Pukekohe economy by making our towns beautiful destinations that attract and retain quality businesses. I would like to fund streetscape upgrades, markets and cultural events to showcase our heritage, support programs connecting local producers with residents, and encourage businesses to source locally. A great way to foster a self-reliant, thriving economy rooted in our community’s culture.

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    I would seek expert advice from local iwi as part of broader community initiatives to integrate Māori outcomes and reinforce unity within our community. I would nurture the Port of Auckland. Supporting its economic growth benefits while advocating for controls on pollution, noise and roading impacts. I would back the growth of the Auckland Future Fund to invest in a range of diverse regional priorities that offer our community and the rest of Auckland more options moving into the future.

Candidate's supporting links

These links to external websites have been provided by the candidates. The content on these websites does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.

Disclaimer

The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.